June 6, 2005 [LINK]

Let Dean be Dean!

DNC Chairman Howard Dean stuck his foot in his mouth again, insulting millions of GOP members and likely voters in a speech at Campaign for America's Future. Discussing the convenience factor in voter turnout, he blurted out, "Well, Republicans, I guess, can do that [wait in line to vote], because a lot of them have never made an honest living in their lives." (See Washington Times.) Well, I never... In response, Sen. Joe Biden and last year's losing V.P. candidate John Edwards -- both of whom may be presidential candidates in 2008 -- quickly distanced themselves from Dean and his ill-chosen words. (See Washington Post.) Outrage by Republicans toward Dean is misplaced, however. The more off-the-wall remarks he makes to fire up the activists on the Left, the more time the sensible faction within the Democrat party has to spend disavowing his words, so much the better. If the Democrats are really serious about trying to retake the House or Senate next year, Dean will have to go. The sooner the centrist DLC faction regains influence in the party, the sooner will political discourse in our country become (relatively) dignified and sane once again. Heck, we might even make progress on critical issues like Social Security, health care, or immigration reform! Call me a dreamer...